Reaching Intellectual Success and Empowerment
RISE is a FREE program at Parkland College
that helps new students do well in school and life.
The RISE First Year Experience and Student Leadership cohort can help you:
- CONNECT
- Meet new friends and enjoy college life
- Be part of a caring and positive community
- Enhance social and emotional well-being
- Attend fun social events
- NAVIGATE
- Learn from successful Parkland students, alums, and community members
- Discover the best career choices based on your personality and other factors
- Explore college studies and extracurricular activities while having fun on campus
- GROW
- Develop leadership, critical thinking, and more through unique opportunities
- Coordinate with nurturing, dedicated faculty and staff
- Write your own story at Parkland
Eligibility
RISE is open to May 2026 high school graduates from District 505 (Champaign, Urbana, Rantoul). Students from other districts can also join if they take 6 or more credit hours, including the RISE FYE 101 class.
Parent/Guardian Information
Your student will have our supportive RISE network guiding them towards their success!
- RISE orientation with a family info session
- A First Year Experience (FYE) class with other RISE students + a free textbook
- Free tutoring and study help (Learning Center, Writing Center, RISE study spaces)
- Fun events with RISE peers
- Support from a professional staff and peer mentors.
- A chance to join the Student Life Leadership Academy
- Ongoing help throughout their time at Parkland
Contact
Dr. Marietta Turner, Dean of Students
Room U242, 217/353-2048, deanofstudents@parkland.edu